X Factor star Christopher Maloney has revealed that criticism of his performances put a dampener on his experience.

The Liverpudlian singer, who has made it to the semi-finals alongside Jahmene Douglas, James Arthur and Union J, has been booed regularly on the ITV show and criticised by the other judges, particularly Tulisa Contostavlos and Nicole Scherzinger.

"With all that has happened negatively and the negative comments, it has put a dampener on the whole experience but I've not let it affect me," he said before performing at a TalkTalk secret gig in London.

The 34-year-old former call centre operator added: "I wish I could have enjoyed it a lot more, you know, but I have enjoyed myself and it's been everything and more that I could have wished for.

"The judges didn't choose me, I was picked by Gary as his wild card. The public chose me and have kept me in this competition from the beginning. The support and loyalty has been unbelievable."

Bookies' favourites James and Jahmene also performed at the intimate show, along with boyband Union J.

"It's a real pay-off, because I've been doing what I'm doing now for quite a long time and not to many people, so to have the opportunity to do it on such a large scale is a dream come true," said James.

Jahmene added: "I've only done about 60 percent of what I can do so I feel like I need to let go, and I will do that this week."